HC Deb 28 February 1977 vol 927 cc18-9W
Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which international conferences relating to environmental matters he, or members of his staff, will be attending in 1977.

Mr. Denis Howell

Frequent international meetings on environment matters take place under the auspices of the European Economic Community, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the Council of Europe, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the United Nations Environment Programme. There are also regular meetings of international commissions established under various international conventions on marine pollution. These are attended by Ministers or officials as appropriate.

In addition, my Department will be represented at the following international environment conferences so far arranged for 1977: United Nations Water Conference. Rockefeller Foundation Conference on International Problems in Environmental Monitoring. International Symposium on Sulphur in the Atmosphere (co-sponsored by UNEP). International Conference on the Stratospheric Ozone Layer (UNEP). Conference on the effects of Chlorofleurocarbons on the Stratosphere sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Council of Europe Symposium on Environment, Participation and the Quality of Life. Conference on Oil Spills (co-sponsored by the USA/EPA).

The Department will also be represented at various symposia of a scientific or technical character organised by non-governmental bodies or associations.